Bicycle frame cradle with fold-in anti-sway device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle carrier includes a bicycle cradle. The bicycle cradle includes a through hole defining an inner surface and a slot through a portion of an outer surface of the bicycle cradle and a portion of the inner surface. The through hole is configured to receive a bicycle carrier support arm disposed therethrough. The slot is configured to allow a fastener to be coupled to the bicycle carrier support arm. An assembly for a bicycle carrier includes a bicycle cradle including a storage cavity and an anti-sway member coupled to the bicycle cradle and configured to secure a bicycle frame loaded onto the bicycle carrier. The anti-sway member is configured to be disposed at least partially within the storage cavity of the bicycle cradle in a storage configuration.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to load carrier devices. Morespecifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to bicyclecarrier devices, for example, bicycle cradles, with a fold-in anti-swaydevice.

Background

Devices for carrying equipment on a vehicle can be used to transport theequipment from one place to another. In some examples, the load carriercan be a bicycle carrier device, for example, a hang style bicyclecarrier. The bicycle carrier can be secured to the vehicle safely andconveniently via a hitch, typically attached to the rear of the vehicle.However, as the vehicle accelerates, decelerates, and turns duringtransportation, a bicycle loaded on the bicycle carrier can sway orswing and become damaged. Further, a bicycle cradle holding the bicyclemay slide along a bicycle carrier support arm axis or may need to beadjusted rotationally about the bicycle carrier support arm for propersecurement.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a bicycle carrier includes a bicycle cradle. Insome embodiments, the bicycle cradle includes a through hole defining aninner surface. In some embodiments, the through hole is configured toreceive a bicycle carrier support arm disposed therethrough. In someembodiments, the bicycle cradle includes a slot through a portion of anouter surface of the bicycle cradle and a portion of the inner surface.In some embodiments, the slot is configured to allow a fastener to becoupled to the bicycle carrier support arm. In some embodiments, thefastener is a screw configured to be fastened to the bicycle carriersupport arm.

In some embodiments, the slot is a radial slot. In some embodiments, theradial slot extends about 90 degrees along the outer surface of thebicycle cradle and is configured to allow the bicycle cradle to rotateabout 90 degrees about the bicycle carrier support arm when the fasteneris disposed in the radial slot. In some embodiments, the bicycle carrierfurther includes a thermoplastic elastomer insert disposed on a portionof the inner surface and configured to increase the coefficient offriction between the bicycle cradle and the bicycle carrier support arm.In some embodiments, the bicycle cradle includes a thermoplasticelastomer covering disposed on a portion of the outer surface of thebicycle cradle and configured to increase the coefficient of frictionbetween the bicycle cradle and a bicycle frame loaded onto the bicyclecradle.

In some embodiments, the bicycle carrier further includes an anti-swaymember coupled to the bicycle cradle. In some embodiments, the anti-swaymember is pivotably coupled to the bicycle cradle by a pin.

In some embodiments, an assembly for a bicycle carrier includes abicycle cradle including a storage cavity and an anti-sway membercoupled to the bicycle cradle and configured to secure a bicycle frameloaded onto the bicycle carrier. In some embodiments, the anti-swaymember is configured to be disposed at least partially within thestorage cavity of the bicycle cradle in a storage configuration.

In some embodiments, the anti-sway member is pivotably coupled to thebicycle cradle by a pin. In some embodiments, the anti-sway member isconfigured to rotate about 120 degrees about the pin. In someembodiments, the bicycle cradle further includes a locking mechanismconfigured to secure the anti-sway member in the storage configuration.In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is a tab protruding from thestorage cavity providing a snap-fit connection with an end of theanti-sway member. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the anti-swaymember is concave. In some embodiments, in the storage configuration amajority of the anti-sway member is disposed within the storage cavity.

In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a thermoplasticelastomer insert disposed on a portion of an outer surface of theanti-sway member and configured to increase the coefficient of frictionbetween the anti-sway member and a bicycle frame contacting theanti-sway member. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes atransverse slot through the anti-sway member configured to receive astrap.

In some embodiments, a bicycle carrier includes a bicycle cradle and afirst strap. In some embodiments, the bicycle cradle includes a throughhole defining an inner surface and a transverse slot through the bicyclecradle. In some embodiments, the through hole is configured to receive abicycle carrier support arm disposed therethrough. In some embodiments,the first strap is configured to extend through the transverse slot ofthe bicycle cradle and around a bicycle frame disposed on the bicyclecradle.

In some embodiments, the bicycle carrier further includes an anti-swaymember coupled to the bicycle cradle and configured to reduce movementof a bicycle loaded onto the bicycle carrier. In some embodiments, theanti-sway member is pivotably coupled to the bicycle cradle by a pin. Insome embodiments, the anti-sway member includes a transverse slotthrough the anti-sway member. In some embodiments, the transverse slotof the anti-sway member is parallel to the through hole. In someembodiments, the bicycle carrier further includes a second strapconfigured to extend through the transverse slot of the anti-sway memberand around a bicycle frame abutting the anti-sway member.

In some embodiments, the transverse slot of the bicycle cradle isparallel to the through hole. In some embodiments, the transverse slotof the bicycle cradle includes a first groove and the first strapincludes a first rail disposed on a first side of the first strap. Insome embodiments, the first rail is configured to extend through thefirst groove. In some embodiments, the transverse slot of the bicyclecradle includes a second groove and the first strap includes a secondrail disposed on the first side of the first strap. In some embodiments,the second rail is configured to extend through the second groove. Insome embodiments, the second rail is parallel to the first rail.

In some embodiments, the first strap includes a first buckle disposed ata first end of the first strap and configured to receive and secure atoothed side of the first strap. In some embodiments, the first buckleincludes a spring-loaded tab. In some embodiments, the first buckleincludes a first groove and the first strap includes a first raildisposed on a first side of the first strap. In some embodiments, thefirst rail is configured to extend through the first groove of the firstbuckle.

In some embodiments, an assembly for a bicycle carrier includes abicycle cradle, a buckle, and a strap configured to be coupled to thebuckle. In some embodiments, the buckle includes a first groove and thestrap includes a first rail disposed on a first side of the strap. Insome embodiments, the first rail is configured to extend through thefirst groove of the buckle.

In some embodiments, the buckle includes a spring-loaded tab configuredto secure a toothed side of the strap. In some embodiments, the buckleincludes a second groove and the strap includes a second rail disposedon the first side of the strap and parallel to the first rail. In someembodiments, the second rail is configured to extend through the secondgroove of the buckle. In some embodiments, the buckle is disposed at adistal end of the strap. In some embodiments, the buckle is disposed onthe bicycle cradle.

In some embodiments, a method of securing a bicycle to a bicycle carrierincludes loading a bicycle frame on the bicycle cradle, and securing afirst strap coupled to the bicycle cradle around the bicycle framedisposed on the bicycle cradle. In some embodiments, the method includesconnecting the bicycle cradle to the bicycle carrier support arm bycoupling a fastener to the bicycle carrier support arm through a slotthrough a portion of the outer surface of the bicycle cradle. In someembodiments, securing the first strap includes disposing the first strapthrough a transverse slot of the bicycle cradle. In some embodiments,securing the first strap includes extending the first strap through afirst buckle. In some embodiments, the method further includes securingthe bicycle frame to an anti-sway member coupled to the bicycle cradleby securing a second strap coupled to the anti-sway member around thebicycle frame. In some embodiments, securing the second strap includesdisposing the second strap through a transverse slot of the anti-swaymember. In some embodiments, securing the second strap coupled to theanti-sway member includes disposing the second strap through a secondbuckle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the embodiments and, together with thedescription, further serve to explain the principles of the embodimentsand to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and usethe embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle cradle, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle cradle, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view a bicycle cradle, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle carrier with abicycle cradle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle carrier with anassembly in an unlocked configuration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an assembly in an unlockedconfiguration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an assembly in a locked configuration,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a strap assembly,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a strap assembly,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a strap assembly,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a strap assembly, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle carrier with asecured bicycle frame, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a bicycle carrier with a securedbicycle frame, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15A illustrates a top perspective view of a portion of a strapassembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the portion of a strapassembly of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bicyclecradle and a portion of a strap assembly, according to an embodiment ina first state.

FIG. 16B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portion of a bicyclecradle and the portion of a strap assembly of FIG. 16A in a secondstate.

The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparentfrom the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunctionwith the drawings, in which like reference characters identifycorresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like referencenumbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/orstructurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail withreference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “someembodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described mayinclude a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but everyembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of thepresent embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of thevariety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field,and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within thespirit and scope of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the bicycle cradle 200, anti-sway member 300, assembly400, buckle 500, strap 600, and strap assembly 700 disclosed herein canbe used with a load carrier 100, for example, but not limited to, abicycle carrier. More specifically, the load carrier 100 can be a hangstyle bicycle carrier, which can be attached, for example, to a hitchreceiver of a vehicle or a trunk of a vehicle. The bicycle carrier canbe configured to carry one, two, three, or more bicycles.

Load carriers described herein can have one or more devices to secure abicycle. Using multiple securement mechanisms provides redundancy todecrease the likelihood of the loaded bicycle swaying or swinging duringtransportation and becoming damaged. For example, a securementmechanism, such as a bicycle cradle with a strap, can provideappropriate support to a bicycle frame (e.g., to a top tube of theframe) to ensure proper securement and reduce swaying or swinging of theloaded bicycle during acceleration, deceleration, or turning of thevehicle during transportation. Additionally, a bicycle cradle caninclude an anti-sway member with a second strap coupled to the anti-swaymember for additional securement of the bicycle frame (e.g., at the seattube) during transportation. Also, the anti-sway member can be pivotablycoupled to the bicycle cradle for easy fold-in storage in an interiorcavity of the bicycle cradle when not in use.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a load carrier includesan assembly including a bicycle cradle and an anti-sway member coupledto the bicycle cradle. The anti-sway member is pivotably coupled to thebicycle cradle so that the anti-sway member can be rotated and securedto a bicycle frame or stored in an interior cavity of the bicycle cradleby a locking mechanism. The anti-sway member adds additional securementand stability to a loaded bicycle during transportation. This allows theuser to easily and confidently secure a bicycle frame to the loadcarrier and reduce damage to the bicycle or vehicle duringtransportation. Also, the present disclosure provides embodiments of abicycle cradle with a slot for securing a fastener to a bicycle carriersupport arm of the load carrier. The slot allows for rotation of thebicycle cradle around the bicycle carrier support arm until a usertightens the fastener. Further, the present disclosure providesembodiments of a bicycle cradle with a transverse slot through thebicycle cradle for securing a bicycle frame with a strap extendingthrough the transverse slot. The transverse slot can include a firstgroove and a second groove which can correspond to a first rail and asecond rail, respectively, of the strap. Furthermore, the presentdisclosure provides embodiments of a strap assembly for a load carrier,where a strap can include an interlocking buckle. The strap can includea first rail and a second rail which correspond to a first groove and asecond groove, respectively, on the buckle for ease of use and bettersecurement.

By way of example, FIGS. 5 and 14 illustrate load carrier 100 withassembly 400. Assembly 400 includes bicycle cradle 200 and anti-swaymember 300 coupled to bicycle cradle 200. FIGS. 5 and 14 show anti-swaymember 300 in unlocked configuration 20 (also referred to as a freeconfiguration). In some embodiments, load carrier 100 can includebicycle carrier support arm 110. Generally, bicycle carrier support arm110 is a resilient material, for example, but not limited to, aluminumor titanium. In some embodiments, assembly 400 is attached to bicyclecarrier support arm 110. As shown, for example in FIG. 5, assembly 400can be attached to bicycle carrier support arm 110 by fastener 214. Insome embodiments, load carrier 100 can have bicycle frame 120 disposedon assembly 400. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, bicycle frame120 can be secured by strap assembly 700 coupled to bicycle cradle 200and/or strap assembly 700 coupled to anti-sway member 300. As shown, forexample in FIG. 9, strap assembly 700 can include buckle 500 and strap600. In some embodiments, load carrier 100 can be configured to carryone, two, three, four, five, or more bicycles. For example, bicyclecarrier support arm 110 can include one or more assemblies 400 orbicycle cradles 200 to secure one or more bicycle frames 120.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of bicycle cradle 200. Bicycle cradle200 is configured to reduce movement of a bicycle loaded onto bicyclecarrier 100. As shown, for example, in FIG. 1, bicycle cradle 200 caninclude inner surface 202, outer surface 204, through hole 206, and slot212. Through hole 206 defines inner surface 202 and extends throughbicycle cradle 200 along through hole axis A1. In some embodiments,through hole 206 can be configured to receive, as shown, for example, inFIG. 4, bicycle carrier support arm 110. In some embodiments, bicyclecradle 200 can be made of a rigid material, for example, polymers (e.g.,plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, phenolics, acetals,nylon, etc.), metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.), or other similarrigid machinable material.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, outer surface 204 of bicyclecradle 200 can include covering 210 disposed over all or a portion ofouter surface 204. For example, covering 210 can be a thermoplasticelastomer (TPE) disposed on a portion of outer surface 204. In someembodiments, covering 210 can be any material that increases thecoefficient of friction between bicycle cradle 200 and a bicycle frame,for example, a polymer or rubber material. In some embodiments, covering210 can include a plurality of covering portions.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inner surface 202defined by through hole 206 can include insert 208. For example, insert208 can be a TPE disposed on a portion of inner surface 202. In someembodiments, insert 208 can be any material that increases thecoefficient of friction between bicycle cradle 200 and bicycle carriersupport arm 110, for example, a polymer or rubber material. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, insert 208 can extend radially inwardfrom inner surface 202. In some embodiments, bicycle cradle 200 caninclude a plurality of inserts 208 on inner surface 202. In someembodiments, insert 208 can be disposed on all of inner surface 202.

Slot 212 can be formed through a portion of outer surface 204 and aportion of inner surface 202 of bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments,as shown in FIG. 4, slot 212 can be configured to allow fastener 214 tobe coupled to bicycle carrier support arm 110. For example, fastener 214can be a screw. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, slot 212 can bea radial slot. For example, slot 212 can radially extend about 90degrees (as shown by arc 216) along outer surface 204. In someembodiments, slot 212 can radially extend about 60 degrees to 120degrees along outer surface 204. In some embodiments, slot 212 canradially extend about 70 degrees to 110 degrees along outer surface 204.In some embodiments, slot 212 can allow bicycle cradle 200 to rotateabout 90 degrees about bicycle carrier support arm 110 when fastener 214is disposed in slot 212. For example, bicycle cradle 200 can be rotatedto adjust an angle between outer surface 204, for example, covering 210,and bicycle frame 120. In some embodiments, fastener 214 is configuredto reduce axial movement of the bicycle cradle 200 along bicycle carriersupport arm 110. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of bicycle carrier 100with bicycle cradle 200 secured to bicycle carrier support arm 110. Insome embodiments, bicycle cradle 200 can be fastened to bicycle carriersupport arm 110 through slot 212 via fastener 214 over about a 90 degreearc 216 of bicycle cradle 200 about through hole axis A1.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, bicycle cradle 200 caninclude transverse slot 220 that extends through bicycle cradle 200. Insome embodiments, transverse slot axis A2 can be parallel to throughhole axis A1. As shown, for example, in FIG. 3, in some embodiments,transverse slot 220 can include first groove 222 and optionally secondgroove 224. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, first and secondgrooves 222, 224 can have a quadrilateral cross-section. In someembodiments, transverse slot 220 can be configured to receive strapassembly 700 having strap 600 and buckle 500. For example, strap 600 canextend through transverse slot 220 of bicycle cradle 200, with firstrail 612 and second rail 614 extending through first groove 222 andsecond groove 224, respectively (see FIG. 9).

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 9-12, strapassembly 700 can include strap 600 with buckle 500 disposed at distalend 702 of strap assembly 700. Strap 600 is configured to engage buckle500. In some embodiments, strap 600 and buckle 500 are configured tosecure bicycle frame 120 to bicycle cradle 200, as shown, for example inFIGS. 13 and 14. In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 9and 10, strap 600 can include first side 602, second side 604, first end606, and second end 608. In some embodiments, buckle 500 can be disposedat first end 606. In some embodiments, first side 602 of strap 600 canbe toothed. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, second side 604 ofstrap 600 can include first rail 612. For example, first rail 612 canextend along first rail axis A4. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.10, second side 604 of strap 600 can include second rail 614. Forexample, second rail 614 can extend along second rail axis A5. In someembodiments, first and second rails 612, 614 can be parallel. Forexample, first and second rails 612, 614 of strap 600 can extend throughfirst and second grooves 508, 510, respectively, of buckle 500. In someembodiments, strap 600 can be made of a bendable material, for example,polymers (e.g., plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene,phenolics, acetals, nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.) or othersimilar flexible machinable material.

As discussed above, first and/or second rails 612, 614 can be disposedon second side 604 of strap 600 and can extend along their respectiverail axes A4, A5. In some embodiments, rails 612, 614 extend along thefull length of strap 600 (i.e. the distance between first and secondends 606, 608 of strap 600). In some embodiments, rails 612, 614 extendalong only a portion of the length of strap 600.

As shown in FIG. 10, for example, in some embodiments, first rail 612includes a first end 616 and a second end 617, where first rail 612extends between the first and second ends 616, 617. In some embodiments,first end 616 of first rail 612 is spaced away from first end 606 ofstrap 600 such that first rail 612 terminates prior to first end 606(see, e.g., FIG. 10). In some embodiments, first end 616 is disposed atfirst end 606 of strap 600 such that first rail 612 terminates at firstend 606 (see, e.g., FIG. 15B). In some embodiments, second end 617 offirst rail 612 is spaced away from second end 608 of strap 600 such thatfirst rail 612 terminates prior to second end 608 (see, e.g., FIG. 10).In some embodiments, second end 617 is disposed at second end 608 ofstrap 600 such that first rail 612 terminates at second end 608.Similarly, in some embodiments, second rail 614 includes a first end 618and a second end 619, where second rail 614 extends between the firstand second ends 618, 619. In some embodiments, first end 618 of secondrail 614 is spaced away from first end 606 of strap 600 such that secondrail 614 terminates prior to first end 606 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). In someembodiments, first end 618 is disposed at first end 606 of strap 600such that second rail 614 terminates at first end 606 (see, e.g., FIG.15B). In some embodiments, second end 619 of second rail 614 is spacedaway from second end 608 of strap 600 such that second rail 614terminates prior to second end 608 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). In someembodiments, second end 619 is disposed at second end 608 of strap 600such that second rail 614 terminates at second end 608.

In some embodiments where first end 616 of first rail 612 and/or firstend 618 of second rail 614 terminate at first end 606 of strap 600, thestrap thickness 640 (see FIG. 16A) of strap 600 can be increased atfirst end 606. As discussed in further detail below, by increasing thethickness of strap 600, a snug connection between strap assembly 700 andbicycle cradle 200 can be formed, thereby creating a more secure andstable connection between strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 9-12, buckle 500can include inner surface 502, outer surface 504, longitudinal slot 506,and tab 512. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, longitudinal slot506 can extend through buckle 500 along longitudinal slot axis A6. Insome embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 12, longitudinal slot506 can include first groove 508 and second groove 510. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, first and second grooves 508, 510 canhave a quadrilateral cross-section. In some embodiments, longitudinalslot 506 can be configured to receive strap 600. For example, strap 600can extend through longitudinal slot 506 of buckle 500, with first rail612 and second rail 614 extending through first groove 508 and secondgroove 510, respectively. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and12, tab 512 of buckle 500 can be spring-loaded. For example, buckle 500can include spring 514 configured to apply a spring force to tab 512. Asstrap 600 extends through buckle 500, first side 602 (e.g., toothedside) of strap 600 contacts and lifts tab 512 in an upward direction,compressing spring 514, which is then applied as a spring force in adownward direction as each tooth of strap 600 moves past tab 512. Inthis way, tab 512 of buckle 500 functions as a ratchet to secure andlock first side 602 of strap 600 in buckle 500. In some embodiments,buckle 500 can be made of a rigid material, for example, polymers (e.g.,plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, phenolics, acetals,nylon, etc.), metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.), or other similarrigid machinable material.

As shown in FIGS. 15A-16B, in some embodiments, strap 600 can include astrap assembly connection member 630 disposed on, coupled to, orintegrally formed with strap 600 that is configured to secure strapassembly 700 to bicycle cradle 200. Strap assembly connection member 630can be, for example, an elevated surface, ridge, rib, wedge, projection,or the like configured such that strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle200 can be secured together using, for example, a snap-fit connection.In some embodiments, strap assembly connection member 630 can have anangled portion 634 and a flat portion 636 parallel to second side 604 ofstrap 600. As shown in FIG. 15B, for example, in some embodiments, strapassembly connection member 630 is disposed near (e.g., within twoinches) first end 606 of strap 600 on second side 604 of strap 600. Insome embodiments, strap 600 can include two or more strap assemblyconnection members 630 disposed on first and/or second sides 602, 604 ofstrap 600. In some embodiments, strap assembly connection member 630 isdisposed between first and second rails 612, 614.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show cross-sectional views of strap assembly 700 andbicycle cradle 200 at two stages during a connection process, asdescribed in further detail below. Bicycle cradle 200 can include atransverse slot connection member 230 that is disposed in transverseslot 220 and configured to engage with strap assembly connection member630 during a connection process. In some embodiments, the slot height250 (e.g., the distance between the outermost edge of transverse slotconnection member 230 and an opposing surface 232 of transverse slot220), can be slightly greater than the strap thickness 640 (e.g., thedistance between the outermost edge of the strap assembly connectionmember 630 and the bottommost edge of strap beneath the strap assemblyconnection member 630).

In order to secure strap assembly 700 to bicycle cradle 200, accordingto some embodiments, strap 600 can be inserted into and passed throughtransverse slot 220 until strap assembly connection member 630, forexample an angled portion 634 of strap assembly connection member 630,comes into contact with transverse slot connection member 230 (see FIG.16A). As strap 600 is moved further through transverse slot 220,portions of strap 600 (e.g., strap assembly connection member 630)and/or cradle 200 (e.g., transverse slot connection member 230) moveand/or elastically deform such that strap assembly connection member 630can engage, for example by snap-fit, passed transverse slot connectionmember 230 (see FIG. 16B). After strap assembly connection member 630has passed transverse slot connection member 230, portions of buckle 500(e.g., strap support members 520 and/or outer surface of buckle 504) canprevent strap 600 from being further inserted into transverse slot 220,and a rear surface 632 of strap assembly connection member 630 canprevent strap 600 from being removed from transverse slot 220, therebysecuring strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200 together.

In some embodiments, after strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200have been connected together, strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200are permanently affixed, which is to say that strap assembly 700 andbicycle cradle 200 cannot be dissembled without damaging one or both ofstrap assembly 700 or bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, afterstrap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200 have been connected together,strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200 are non-permanently affixed,which is to say that strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200 can bedissembled after the initial assembly. For example, in some embodimentswhere the two parts are non-permanently affixed, strap assembly 700 canbe removed from bicycle cradle 200 by reversing the connection processdescribed above, where strap assembly connection member 630 isdisconnected out of the assembled position such that strap assembly 700can be removed from the bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, aseparate tool can be required to disassemble strap assembly 700 andbicycle cradle 200. The tool can be used, for example, to apply a forceto strap assembly connection member 630 and/or transverse slotconnection member 230 such that strap assembly 700 can be removed fromthe bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, manual actuation, forexample, pressing on a mechanism coupled to strap assembly 700 and/orbicycle cradle 200 can release strap assembly 700 from connection withbicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, strap assembly connectionmember 630 can flex or move (e.g., in a direction generallyperpendicular to second side 604 of strap 600 when force is applied tostrap assembly connection member 630.

In some embodiments, strap 600 includes strap extension members 650 thatare configured to secure and/or minimize the movement of strap assembly700 when strap assembly 700 is connected to bicycle cradle 200. As shownin FIG. 15A and 15B, for example, strap extension members 650 can bedisposed on, coupled to, or integrally formed with edges 605 and/or onfirst side 602 of strap 600 near (e.g., within two inches) first end 606of the strap. Strap extension members 650 can increase the overall width660 of strap 600 (see FIG. 12) and/or the overall thickness 640 of thestrap 600 (see FIG. 16A) such that the overall width 660 and thickness640 of the strap 600 near first end 606 matches or slightly exceeds thewidth 260 and height 240 of transverse slot 220 (see FIG. 3). Thus, whenstrap assembly 700 is connected to bicycle cradle 200, a snug fit isformed between strap 600 and transverse slot 220. In some embodiments,the thickness of the strap 600 itself can increase near first end 606 ofstrap 600 (see, e.g., FIG. 15A). As with the strap extension members 650described above, this can increase the overall thickness 640 of strap600, thereby helping to form a snug fit between strap 600 and transverseslot 220.

A snug fit between strap 600 and transverse slot 220 can reduce movementof strap assembly 700 relative to bicycle cradle 200, therefore creatinga more secure and stable connection between strap assembly 700 andbicycle cradle 200. Further, a snug fit between strap 600 and transverseslot 220 can increase friction between strap 600 and transverse slot220, thereby helping to hold strap 600 in position in transverse slot220. In some embodiments, such a friction fit between strap 600 andtransverse slot 220 can be used to supplement a connection (e.g., asnap-fit) between the strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle 200, furthersecuring the connection between strap assembly 700 and bicycle cradle200. In some embodiments, only a friction fit between strap 600 andtransverse slot 220 can be used to secure strap assembly 700 and bicyclecradle 200 together.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1, one or morebuckles 500 can be disposed on outer surface 204 of bicycle cradle 200.For example, buckles 500 can be disposed on opposite sides of bicyclecradle 200 on outer surface 204. In some embodiments, buckles 500 can bedisposed on a portion of bicycle cradle 200 extending radially away fromthrough hole 206, for example, near storage cavity 219.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an embodiment of bicycle carrier 100 with assembly400. In some embodiments, assembly 400 includes anti-sway member 300coupled to bicycle cradle 200. For example, anti-sway member 300 can becoupled to bicycle cradle 200 by pin 218 such that anti-sway member 300can rotate with respect to bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 5, assembly 400 can be secured to bicycle carrier supportarm 110. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, assembly 400 can be inan unlocked configuration 20 with anti-sway member 300 disposed awayfrom storage cavity 219 of bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 7, assembly 400 can be in a locked configuration 10 (alsoreferred to as a storage configuration) with anti-sway member 300disposed at least partially within storage cavity 219 of bicycle cradle200. In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300 can be disposed entirelywithin storage cavity 219 of bicycle cradle 200. In both the lockedconfiguration 10 and the unlocked configuration 20, a bicycle can besecured to assembly 400.

In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300 can be made of a rigidmaterial, for example, polymers (e.g., plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene,polyoxymethylene, phenolics, acetals, nylon, etc.), metals (e.g.,aluminum, titanium, etc.), or other similar rigid machinable material.Anti-sway member 300 is configured to reduce movement of a bicycleloaded onto bicycle carrier 100. In some embodiments, as shown, forexample, FIG. 5, anti-sway member 300 can be concave. For example,anti-sway member 300 can be a hyperbolic paraboloid. As shown, forexample, in FIGS. 5 and 6, anti-sway member 300 can include innersurface 302, outer surface 304, and locking mechanism 310. As shown, forexample, in FIG. 7, locking mechanism 310 can be configured to secureanti-sway member 300 in locked configuration 10. In some embodiments,locking mechanism 310 includes snap-fit connection 314 disposed at anend of anti-sway member 300. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8,locking mechanism 310 can include tab 226 of bicycle cradle 200,configured to mate with snap-fit connection 314 of anti-sway member 300.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, outer surface 304 of anti-swaymember 300 can include insert 308. For example, insert 308 can be a TPEdisposed on a portion of outer surface 304. In some embodiments, insert308 can be any material that increases the coefficient of frictionbetween anti-sway member 300 and a bicycle frame, for example, a polymeror rubber material. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, insert 308can extend outward from outer surface 304 and have one or more raisedportions. In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300 can include aplurality of inserts 308 on outer surface 304. In some embodiments,insert 308 can be disposed on all of outer surface 304.

In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300 can be configured to rotate orpivot about pin 218 of bicycle cradle 200. For example, as shown in FIG.6, anti-sway member 300 can rotate about 120 degrees along arc 306 aboutpin 218. In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300 can rotate about 90degrees to about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300can rotate about 100 degrees to about 140 degrees. In some embodiments,anti-sway member 300 can rotate about 120 degrees about pin 218 in orderto contact a bicycle frame so that the bicycle frame can be secured toanti-sway member 300.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, anti-sway member 300 caninclude transverse slot 320 that extends through anti-sway member 300along transverse slot axis A3. In some embodiments, transverse slot axisA3 can be parallel to through hole axis A1 and/or transverse slot axisA2. As shown, for example, in FIG. 6, transverse slot 320 can includefirst groove 322 and optionally second groove 324. In some embodiments,as shown in FIG. 6, first and second grooves 322, 324 can have aquadrilateral cross-section. In some embodiments, transverse slot 320can be configured to receive strap 600. In some embodiments, transverseslot 320 can be configured to receive strap assembly 700 with strap 600and buckle 500. For example, strap 600 can extend through transverseslot 320 of anti-sway member 300, with first rail 612 and second rail614 extending through first groove 322 and second groove 324,respectively.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate embodiments of bicycle carrier 100 withbicycle frame 120 secured to bicycle carrier 100. In some embodiments,bicycle carrier 100 includes assembly 400 secured to bicycle carriersupport arm 110.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, bicycle cradle 200 can includebuckles 500 configured to receive strap 600, and anti-sway member 300can include buckles 500 configured to receive strap 600. In someembodiments, bicycle cradle 200 can include one or more buckles 500disposed on outer surface 204 and configured to receive strap 600 tosecure bicycle frame 120. In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300 caninclude one or more buckles 500 disposed on inner surface 302 (whichincludes a side of anti-sway member 300) and configured to receive strap600 to secure bicycle frame 120. In some embodiments, bicycle frame 120can be secured to bicycle cradle 200 and anti-sway member 300, withanti-sway member 300 in unlocked configuration 20, via respective strap600 and buckles 500. In some embodiments, bicycle carrier 100 can beconfigured to reduce movement of bicycle frame 120 of a bicycle loadedonto bicycle carrier 100.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, bicycle cradle 200 can includetransverse slot 220 configured to receive strap assembly 700, andanti-sway member 300 can include transverse slot 320 configured toreceive strap assembly 700. In some embodiments, bicycle cradle 200 canbe configured to receive strap assembly 700 to secure bicycle frame 120.In some embodiments, anti-sway member 300 can be configured to receivestrap assembly 700 to secure bicycle frame 120. In some embodiments,bicycle frame 120 can be secured to bicycle cradle 200 and anti-swaymember 300, with anti-sway member 300 in unlocked configuration 20, viarespective strap assembly 700. In some embodiments, bicycle carrier 100,with one or more strap assemblies 700, can be configured to reducemovement of bicycle frame 120 of a bicycle loaded onto bicycle carrier100.

Methods of securing a bicycle to a bicycle carrier can be accomplishedaccording to the manners of operation disclosed herein. In someembodiments, anti-sway member 300 of assembly 400 can be disposed inunlocked configuration 20. In some embodiments, this can be accomplishedby the user applying enough force to anti-sway member 300 in lockedconfiguration 10 to overcome locking mechanism 310, for example,snap-fit connection 314 of anti-sway member 300 and tab 226 of bicyclecradle 200, to move anti-sway member 300 to unlocked configuration 20.

In some embodiments, a method of securing bicycle frame 120 to bicyclecarrier 100 includes loading bicycle frame 120 on bicycle cradle 200,and securing strap 600 coupled to bicycle cradle 200 around bicycleframe 120 disposed on bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, themethod includes connecting bicycle cradle 200 to bicycle carrier supportarm 110 by coupling fastener 214 to bicycle carrier support arm 110through slot 212 through a portion of outer surface 204 of bicyclecradle 200. In some embodiments, securing strap 600, for example, partof strap assembly 700, includes disposing strap 600 through transverseslot 220 of bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, securing strap 600includes connecting strap assembly 700 to bicycle cradle 200. In someembodiments, connecting strap assembly 700 to bicycle cradle 200includes a snap-fit connection. In some embodiments, strap assembly 700can be disconnected from bicycle cradle 200 after the initialconnection. In some embodiments, strap assembly 700 can be disconnectedfrom bicycle cradle 200 using a tool. In some embodiments, strapassembly 700 can be disconnected from bicycle cradle 200 by pressing ona mechanism coupled to strap assembly 700 and/or bicycle cradle 200. Insome embodiments, securing strap 600 includes extending strap 600through buckle 500. For example, buckle 500 can be disposed on bicyclecradle 200 or buckle 500 can be part of strap assembly 700 extendingthrough bicycle cradle 200. In some embodiments, the method furtherincludes securing bicycle frame 120 to anti-sway member 300 coupled tobicycle cradle 200 and securing strap 600 coupled to anti-sway member300 around bicycle frame 120. In some embodiments, securing strap 600,for example, part of strap assembly 700, includes disposing strap 600through transverse slot 320 of anti-sway member 300. In someembodiments, securing strap 600 coupled to anti-sway member 300 includesdisposing strap 600 through buckle 500. For example, buckle 500 can bedisposed on anti-sway member 300 or buckle 500 can be part of strapassembly 700 extending through anti-sway member 300.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Brief Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used tointerpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forthone or more but not all exemplary embodiments of load carriers, bicyclecarriers, assemblies for bicycle carriers, bicycle cradles, anti-swaymembers, and strap assemblies as contemplated by the inventors, andthus, are not intended to limit the present embodiments and the appendedclaims in any way.

The present disclosure has been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specifiedfunctions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functionalbuilding blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenienceof the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as thespecified functions and relationships thereof are appropriatelyperformed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applyingknowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt forvarious applications such specific embodiments, without undueexperimentation, without departing from the general concept of thepresent disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications areintended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presentedherein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminologyherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, suchthat the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is tobe interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings andguidance.

The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

1-30. (canceled)
 31. An assembly for a bicycle carrier, the assemblycomprising: a bicycle cradle comprising a transverse slot; and a strapassembly, comprising: a buckle; a strap configured to be coupled to thebuckle at a first end of the strap; and a strap assembly connectionmember disposed on the strap, wherein the strap is configured to extendthrough the transverse slot of the bicycle cradle, and wherein the strapassembly connection member is configured to secure the strap assembly tothe bicycle cradle.
 32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the strapassembly connection member secures the strap assembly to the bicyclecradle using a snap-fit connection.
 33. The assembly of claim 31,wherein the strap assembly connection member comprises: an angledportion; and a flat portion parallel to a first side of the strap. 34.The assembly of claim 31, wherein the strap assembly connection memberis configured to move in a direction generally perpendicular to a firstside of the strap when force is applied to the strap assembly connectionmember.
 35. The assembly of claim 31, further comprising a second strapassembly connection member disposed on the strap, wherein the strapassembly connection member is disposed on a first side of the strap andthe second strap assembly connection member is disposed on a second sideof the strap opposite the first side.
 36. The assembly of claim 31,wherein the strap assembly connection member is integrally formed withthe strap.
 37. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the transverse slot ofthe bicycle cradle comprises a transverse slot connection memberconfigured to interlock with the strap assembly connection member in alocked configuration.
 38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein afterconnection of the transverse slot connection member and the strapassembly connection member in the locked configuration the strapassembly is permanently affixed to the bicycle cradle.
 39. The assemblyof claim 31, wherein the strap assembly further comprises a strapextension member disposed on the strap, wherein the strap extensionmember is configured to create a friction fit between the strap and thetransverse slot.
 40. The assembly of claim 39, wherein the strapextension member is disposed on an edge of the strap.
 41. The assemblyof claim 39, wherein the strap extension member extends beyond a widthof the strap and increases an overall width of the strap.
 42. Theassembly of claim 41, wherein the overall width of the strap exceeds awidth of the transverse slot.
 43. The assembly of claim 39, wherein thestrap assembly further comprises a second strap extension memberdisposed on the strap and disposed opposite the strap extension member.44. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the strap assembly furthercomprises: a first rail disposed on a first side of the strap, whereinthe first end of the first rail terminates at the first end of thestrap; and a second rail disposed on the first side of the strap,wherein the first end of the second rail terminates at the first end ofthe strap.
 45. The assembly of claim 44, wherein the strap assemblyconnection member is disposed between the first and second rails.
 46. Abicycle carrier comprising: a bicycle cradle comprising: a through holedefining an inner surface, wherein the through hole is configured toreceive a bicycle carrier support arm disposed therethrough, and atransverse slot through the bicycle cradle; a first strap configured toextend through the transverse slot of the bicycle cradle and around abicycle frame disposed on the bicycle cradle; and a first strapconnection member disposed on the first strap and configured to securethe first strap to the bicycle cradle.
 47. The bicycle carrier of claim46, further comprising an anti-sway member coupled to the bicycle cradleand configured to reduce movement of a bicycle loaded onto the bicyclecarrier.
 48. The bicycle carrier of claim 46, wherein the first strapincludes a first buckle disposed at a first end of the first strap andconfigured to receive and secure a toothed side of the first strap. 49.An assembly for a bicycle carrier, the assembly comprising: a bicyclecradle; a buckle; a strap configured to be coupled to the buckle; and astrap connection member disposed on the strap and configured to securethe strap and the buckle to the bicycle cradle, wherein the bucklecomprises a first groove and the strap comprises a first rail disposedon a first side of the strap, and wherein the first rail is configuredto extend through the first groove of the buckle.
 50. The assembly ofclaim 49, wherein the buckle comprises a spring-loaded tab configured tosecure a toothed side of the strap.